Stepping into university life

THROUGH fiction you have been exposed to, it’s easy to conjure images of what your future university life will be like. The idea of lounging on a lush green lawn in a circle with your multicultural friends on campus – exactly like all the ads or movies you’ve seen – is a possibility, but here are some other things to take note of so as not to begin your university life with culture shock.

Tick tock, tick tock

The fun parts of university life, as is too often portrayed in movies, are, more often than not, exaggerations. What is never shown is how much time you’ll be spending in class and completing assignments.

You’ve heard it throughout your school years and will still be hearing it throughout your time at university: time management is key.

As assignments get heavier and require more quality work, you will need to better manage your time to complete your work in a timely manner. Cramming sessions and lastminute work will not be sustainable. There will be a price to pay, either in health or in grades, for bad time management.

Relearning how to learn

University differs from secondary school, right down to its learning process. Rote learning, an essential skill in school, will simply not cut it in university.

Be prepared to invest the time to get up to speed if there is something you are not familiar with and know that self-studying and being curious are essential skills at university.

And, unlike school teachers, lecturers are not constantly nagging you to ensure you are studying. You, and you alone, are responsible for attending your classes, taking notes and handing in assignments on time.

Beyond academics

University life is not just about hitting the books. Your future university will likely host multiple clubs, one or a few in which you may find your perfect fit. Joining clubs can also help you hone skills and increase your social opportunities.

Chances are, you won’t be sharing many classes with the same group of people. As such, it is important to be seen as approachable and willing to make friends with course mates, especially since you can expect to have group assignments. Being on good terms with fellow students will soften the prospect of group work.

Additionally, you may be attending a university far from your friends and family, in which case distance can strain your relationships. By putting in a little extra effort, you can maintain your relationships with those dear to you.

Above all, your university life will be a unique experience, dictated only by you. Through the choices you make, you can turn your #unilife into an enjoyable one and a time in your life you will recall fondly.